Science & Research Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Chemist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median chemist salary in Columbia, MD is $97,692 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$97,692
vs State Avg
+$6,623
vs National
+$14,902
Cost of Living
118%

Chemist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level chemist earns around $59,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $159,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,000
+$9,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$99,120
+$15,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$159,300
+$24,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $56,640
25th Percentile $73,160
Median (50th) $97,692
75th Percentile $128,620
90th Percentile $167,560

Chemist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$101,004
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$95,208
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$89,413
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$86,930
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Chemist in Columbia

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Maryland area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.